Man Arrested for Alleged Role in Fencing Operation, Stolen Property Recovered
Photo: evidence recovered
FREMONT— A man has been arrested for his alleged role in a fencing operation. The suspect was found in possession of an estimated $400,000 worth of stolen property, plus two handguns.
Manuel Velasquez, 36 of Oakland, was booked at Fremont City Jail. Velasquez was released for zero bail as a pandemic precaution. He was issued a citation for possession of stolen property and scheduled for a court appearance in April.
seized weapons
Although Velazquez was arrested January 25, Fremont police delayed announcing his arrest until a few days ago. The investigation is ongoing, and police in a prepared statement said additional charges may be sought later.
The stolen property recovered includes approximately 100 laptop computers. This is in addition to surveying and construction tools, cameras, gaming consoles, cell phones and other electronics.
This huge haul was recovered when detectives searched Velasquez’s Oakland residence on Lisbon Avenue, adjacent to Freeway 880. One of the two handguns recovered as evidence was also reported stolen.
more evidence
Tools stolen in Fremont were equipped with GPS tracking devices, which directed detectives to a vehicle parked outside Velasquez’s home. When Velasquez went outside, he was questioned and quickly identified as a suspect.
Standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, Velasquez is no stranger to law enforcement. He was convicted of receiving stolen property in 2016 and placed on supervised probation for three years.
Anyone with information concerning the fencing operation can call Fremont police detective Matthew Floresca at 510-790-6900 or email mfloresca@fremont.gov.
